Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
The Suzuki Lab at CCII is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team. Our research focuses on bridging the gap between fundamental cancer immunology and clinical application. We leverage cutting-edge mouse models and human clinical samples to tackle one of the most important challenges in oncology: overcoming resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Our laboratory's core mission is to understand why certain patients (non-responders) fail to benefit from immunotherapy. We specifically focus on how the immune microenvironment varies across cancer subtypes and the mechanisms by which tumours evade immune surveillance. By integrating sophisticated mouse models with high-dimensional analysis of human specimens—facilitated by our close partnership with Kyoto University Hospital—we aim to identify novel therapeutic interventions that can sensitize non-responsive tumours to treatment.
As a member of CCII, a world-leading hub for cancer immunology research, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative network of world-leading scientists. You will employ a multi-disciplinary approach, utilizing:
- Advanced In Vivo Models: Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), orthotopic transplantation, and drug efficacy evaluation in preclinical mouse models.
- High-Resolution Analysis: Flow cytometry/cell sorting, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and metabolomics.
- Next-Generation Tools: CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, organoid/T-cell co-culture systems, and spatial transcriptomics.
- Data Science: Advanced bioinformatics analysis using R.
We are deeply committed to the professional growth of our team members. The PI has a proven track record of international mentorship, having successfully guided over 15 Master’s and PhD students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have pursued careers in academia. We provide a supportive, high-energy environment designed to help you achieve your career goals.https://www.ccii.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/research/divisions-labs/juniorpi-suzukilab/
Work content and job description
- You will engage in research under the guidance and supervision of the Principal Investigator (Associate Professor Suzuki).
- Initially, you will work with the PI to acquire necessary techniques and carry out experiments and data analysis based on the research plan developed by the PI. Once you become proficient in these tasks, research plans will be discussed in weekly or bi-weekly meetings. You will also be given a certain level of discretion to conduct the details of the research, leveraging your individual expertise.
- Depending on your experience, you may be asked to provide technical guidance and advice to students in the laboratory.
Assigned department
Existing departments
Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
Job type
- Researcher/Postdoc level
Research field
- Life Science - Unspecified
Wages
Annual Salary : 3 million yen ~
Determined by ability and experience based on the University's payment standards (annual salary system)
No allowances, bonuses, retirement allowances, etc. are provided.
Working hours
Working hours :08:30-17:15
Break time :12:00-13:00
Holidays : Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, New Year’s holidays and the university’s founding anniversary (June 18)
Overtime and other explanations : The Discretionary Labor System applies, with a work schedule equivalent to 38 hours and 45 minutes per week, or 7 hours and 45 minutes per day. When the Discretionary Labor System is not applied, the standard work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM, with a break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, five days a week.
Overtime may be required upon necessity.
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Ph.D. / Doctor
A PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field in Life Sciences/Medicine. Candidates nearing the completion of their PhD are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Work experience
- Professional Expertise: A minimum of three years of research experience in life sciences, demonstrating a solid foundation in experimental design and execution.
- Collaborative Skills & Teamwork: As our research is highly interdisciplinary, we place a high value on individuals who thrive in a team-oriented environment. We are specifically looking for candidates with experience of:
o Supporting the research activities of colleagues and contributing to a positive lab culture.
o Mentoring or supervising junior students (Master’s or PhD level).
o Active participation in collaborative research projects across different disciplines. - Communication: Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse, international research team.
Employment Type
- Regular employee
Contract period
Nontenured - Non-tenure track
The initial appointment will be from the earliest possible date until March 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal thereafter. However, the maximum term is until March 31, 2031. Renewal of the contract will be determined based on the workload, work performance, attitude, ability, progress of the work engaged in, management situation, acceptance of external funds under the employment, and other factors at the time of expiration of the contract period.
Probationary period present
Six (6) months
Work location
606-8501 Kyoto Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku Bristol Myers Squibb Building
If the university permits or requests teleworking, the place of work includes the home, etc.
Compensation
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance : available
Employees' Pension Insurance : available
Worker's accident insurance : available
Employment insurance : available
Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Kyoto University prohibits smoking indoors on all campuses; outdoors, smoking is only allowed in designated areas to prevent passive smoking.
Application Considerations
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Job content supplemental explanation
As soon as possible after the hiring decision is made
Application period
2026/04/22~2027/03/31 Deadline for receipt
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled.
Application method
Attached documents
Application Form : Online Submission
Achievements and Activities : Online Submission
Other online application forms
Please send the following (1) to (3) in PDF format as attachments with "Application for the position of Researcher, Suzuki Lab" in the subject line.
(1) Curriculum vitae, including:- Personal Information {Full name, Current affiliation and position, Email address, ORCID, LinkedIn, Photo (optional)}
- Education (Thesis, University, year and month)
- Research experience
- Fellowships
- Fundings
- Publications
- Presentations
- Honor and awards
- Supervision & Mentoring experience
- Techniques & Skills
- Professional activity
- Other Activities that you want to appeal
(2) Cover letter
(3) Contact information (Names, affiliations, job titles, and their relationship to the applicant) for three references
For international applicants: please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding relocating to or living
URL of this job posting
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
Selection Process
- Document Screening Initial screening will be conducted based on the submitted application materials.
- Informal Online Chat Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal online meeting. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the PI’s vision and the specific responsibilities of the role, while allowing us to assess your suitability for the position.
- Formal Interview Candidates who pass the informal stage will proceed to a formal interview.
- For international applicants, interviews are typically conducted online.
- Detailed information regarding the interview format and schedule will be sent individually to the selected candidates.
Should any travel or accommodation expenses be incurred for the interview, please understand that these will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Notification of result
We will contact you by email.
Contact details
Kyoto University
Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine
Toshiyasu Suzuki
suzuki.toshiyasu.8w(at)kyoto-u.ac.jp
* Please change (at) to @ and send it.
Notes
We will not be able to answer any questions regarding the selection process or reasons for rejection.
- Application documents will be used only for the purpose of employment screening. We will not disclose, transfer, or lend your application documents to any third party without a valid reason.
- Application documents will not be returned.
- Kyoto University promotes gender equality. Kyoto University is promoting gender equality, and we expect many female researchers to actively apply.
- Applications will be reviewed after giving due consideration to the content and duration of any period of interruption in research due to childbirth, childcare, nursing care, or other reasons.
